My Life's A Zoo

Pets Make Bad Gifts

2008-12-14T15:39:00.000-08:00

Pets Make Bad Gifts

There are many people who think that giving someone a pet as a gift is a good idea, well since the holiday season is upon us, I thought I'd share why giving pets as gifts can be a terrible idea. One that just may backfire tremendously.

First off, you don't know if the person really wants the pet, and if the person does, what if you get the wrong color, breed, etc.

There are just so many reasons as to why pets make bad gifts, but you can always give gift cards and homemade coupons as to you get a guinea pig of your choice, or whatever...

The Best Pets to Own in an Apartment

2008-11-10T16:18:00.000-08:00

If you live in an apartment and you're a pet lover, you want to make sure that you check all of your lease agreement before you bring home a new pet. If you know for an absolute fact that you can have pets in your apartment complex, you'll want to ma sure that you abide by whatever rules that are set by the apartment complex. You will also want to make sure that you pick a pet that can live happily in an apartment.

The Best Pets to Own in an Apartment

There are so many dogs that can live in an apartment, as well as fish, pocket pets, reptiles, cats, and more, but you just want to make sure that you pick an animal that can and will be happy in a small space.

For example, you don't want to pick a hyperactive larger dog to squeeze into your apartment. But, that doesn't mean to discount large dogs, just make sure that the breed or mix-breed has traits that qualify for small living spaces and low key temperaments.

Feline Leukemia

2008-11-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

Feline Leukemia is a very serious disorder that you want to make sure to prevent in your beloved pet cats. It is a highly preventable disorder if you are familiar with it, but not many people are.

What is Feline Leukemia? What are the Signs and is There Treatment?

If you have pet cats or you are thinking about getting one, make sure that you are aware of the signs of feline leukemia and that you have your cat tested for feline leukemia virus.

Leopard Gecko Dropped His Tail

2008-10-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

Leopard geckos have a nice defense mechanism that allows them to drop their tails if they feel threatened. In the wild they drop the tail, which in turn moves and jumps around to trick their predator into grabbing the tail while the gecko scoots away.

Treating a Leopard Gecko Dropped Tail

In captivity, there typically isn't that much fear of predators except for the occassional cat that can get in the cage or escapee gecko, but even still it happens. Although, the tail does grow back, it isn't as lovely as the original tail, which is why you must do your best to prevent a tail drop, but sometimes it happens.

Dog Chocolate Poisoning

2008-10-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

We have all heard that dogs should not eat chocolate, but why? I mean, my dog ate a half a bag of Dove dark chocolates, and she didn't die, so it's ok right? Wrong!

Dogs and Chocolate Poisoning

Dogs really should not have ANY chocolate, but not because it will automatically kill them. Dogs can have a small piece every now and then, although it's really not recommended and you really shouldn't do it. I mean you really don't know how your dog's body will react because some dogs are highly allergic to chocolate, whereas others aren't.

Dog Bed

2008-10-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

There are many different types of dog beds that you may want to purchase for your favorite dog. And sometimes depending on your dog's needs, there are some dog beds that may better suit your dog.

Choosing a Dog Bed

For example, older dogs usually do better with raised dog beds and heated dog beds, whereas a puppy will be fine with just about anything plush and comfy.

There are many different types of dog beds that you can consider ranging from dog couches, dog pillows, crate mats, and more.

I just suggest that you find something that has a removeable cover for easy cleaning.

Homemade Crested Gecko Diet

2008-10-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

Homemade Crested Gecko Diet

Although, the best thing that you can ever feed your crested gecko is the meal replacement- Crested Gecko Diet- you can offer a homemade treat that your geckos will love. You want to avoid baby food at all costs, it's nothing but sugar for them and no real nutritional value. Remember that it is formulated for human children and not reptiles. But, you can offer a fresh fruit smoothie blended with calcium and vitamins. You geckos will love this treat and they will thank your for it.

Mix or Pure Bred Dog?

2008-10-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

There are pros and cons for getting a mix breed just like there is for getting a pure breed dog. It is up to you to look at and figure out which will be best for you.

Some of the basic information can be found here:

Should I Get a Mix-Breed or Pure Breed Dog?

But in general, it will be up to you to decide what kind of do will be best for you and your household.

Dog Seizures

2008-10-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

Dog Seizures- Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, & More

If your dog has had a seizure in the past, and you are worried that your dog may have a reoccurance you should really talk to your vet. The below link will give you a great start as to finding out information for what causes the seizures, how a vet can diagnose the seizures, and options for treatment. This is a great source of information to get you started. You'll find natural and chemical treatments for dogt seizures, ad well as other information that is vital to helping you and your dog with his seizures.

Great Dog Books to Buy

2008-09-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

If you have a dog or you are thinking about getting a dog, the following books are great training aids and health resources for you to consider. Personally, I have them all, hence the review that I wrote one each. I find that each of the books have concepts that I don't necessarily agree with to the extreme in the book, but at the same time I agree with a lot of what is written.

These four books have great advice that you can implement with your own dog in hopes of correcting the little things and behavior kinks. Check out the reviews and decide if the books are really for you or not.

Dog Health Book Review: Hound Health Handbook

Dog Training Book Review: Click & Easy- Clicker Training for Dogs

Dog Training Book Review: Hip Ideas for Hyper Dogs

Dog Training Book Review: The Culture Clash

Cheap Hamster Cages

2008-09-14T12:53:00.000-07:00

Being such a small pet, hamsters can get expensive with the cages and accessories, but you don't always have to purchase the most expensive and the biggest. But, then again, you can. You just don't have to always have to spend the top dollar.

Below is a link for cheap hamster cages and hamster cage accessories that you can purchase. You can also find more cages available on this page.

Cheap Hamster Cages and Accessories

Caring for Russian Tortoise

2008-09-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

Tortoises are a different type of pet, even for the reptilian family. They are very different. Some species will litterally eat you out of house and home if you are not ready. The Russian Tortoise is one of the smaller pet tortoises, but that doesn't mean that they can be neglected in terms of care of diet. If you want to get a tortoise, much less a Russian tortoise, you want to check out the following link for a basic caresheet for Russian tortoises.

Caring for and Feeding a Russian Tortoise

Mix Breed or Pure Breed

2008-09-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

When thinking about bringing a dog into your home, you may be wondering which is better- a mix breed dog or a pure bred dog. Well, there are pros and cons with both. I mean a mix breed dog are hard to pre-determine the dogs disposition in terms of bree, but at the same time pure bred dogs can have more health problems and a shorter lifespan.

So, when picking a dog, it will be up to you to weigh the pros and cons for both and then make your final decision...

Check out the following link for more pros and cons for mix breed dogs and pure breed dogs.

Should I Get a Mix-Breed or Pure Breed Dog?

Dog Food Company Makes Condiments

2008-08-20T17:30:00.000-07:00

When looking up Paris topics for the HubLove contest at HubPages, I found this interesting article about how a dog food company in Paris has created this dog condiment. It's rather interesting. It looks and sounds better than the piss-poor dog food sauces that I've seen on the market today. I've tried the American made dog food toppings, and my dogs refused to eat their dog food.

This topping is supposed to be nutritional and dog approved.

You may want to check it out if you have a finicky eater or if you just want to ensure that your dog is getting all his vitamins and minerals.

The below link provides two links where you can purchase the dog food topping. It seems to be on average 8.99 per 14 ounce bottle.

Paris Dog Food Company Makes Condiments

Grooming Pet Cats

2008-08-17T12:52:00.001-07:00

Grooming Pet Cats

It is very important that you properly groom your cat, especially if it is a medium or long haird variety. You want to make sure hat the cat's teeth are clean and it is free of matts.

Elderly and Obese Dogs

2008-08-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

Two common concerns with dogs are elderly dogs and overweight dogs. Although you can't really help your dog aging, you can prevent obesity.

With elderly dogs, you want to make sure that you change your dog's food to a senior dog food, and you have your vet do regular checkups just to make sure that your aging pup is in good health.

For overweight dogs, you want to consult your vet to find a diet plan for your dog. You want to avoid all tablescraps and limit treats as much as you can. Obesity can lead to other health issues, so you want to prevent an overweight dog before it is too late.

For more information check out the following:

Caring for an Elderly and Aging Dog

Dog Obesity Prevention and Health Risks

Freshwater Fish Tank

2008-07-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

If you are goign to start up a freshwater tank, you want to make sure that you have the tank properly set up beforey ou start adding the fish.

It's very important to know how to set up a freshwater fish tank, and what fish will get along in a freshwater fish tank.

Basic Freshwater Aquarium Setup Tips

List of Tropical Fish for Freshwater Aquariums

Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworms

2008-07-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

So it's been a while since my last post, so I'm combining to very health subjects that any pet owner should be aware of- fleas/ticks and heartworms.

You should make sure that you apply a flea and tick preventative for your dog in order to prevetn your dog from being infested from fleas, and you shold provide your dog with monthly heartworm prevention. Below you will find the links for more information about comparing the different flea and tick preventions and information about heartworm disease (symptoms, treatment, and prevention).

Canine Heartworms and Heartworm Prevention for Dogs

Frontline, Advantage, Advantix, and Other Flea and Tick Control for Dogs

Underground Pet Fences

2008-07-04T06:45:00.000-07:00

Typically used to keep dogs inside your yard, underground pet fences are a great option for those people want to section of parts of their yard so that the dog cannot pass. It's also a great option for those pet lovers who cannot have a backyard fence due to neighborhood regulations.

Underground Pet Fence

The one thing that you want to remember is that although the underground and wireless pet fences keep your dog in the yard, they won't keep dogs out of your yard. So, if you have an un-altered pet, you'll want to avoid putting it in the backyard, so that you don't end up with a litter of your own.

Typically the only thing that will keep other dogs out of your yard is a physical fence.

Dog Collars

2008-07-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

It's very important that you have a dog collar that fits. If the dog collar doesn't fit, then your pup can get away from you when on walks.

The collar needs to leave only 2 fingers width between the neck and inside of the collar. If the collar is too large, then your dog can slip out, but if it's too small, he may have trouble breathing.

Choosing a Dog Collar

There are many types of dog collars that you can choose from, ranging from nylon collars to leather collars. You'll find reflective materials and spikes. Youll even find high fashion collars and accessories from brands like Coach and Burberry.

Other types of collars are training collars which include, martingale collars, pinch collars, choke collars, and gentle leaders.

Coach Dog Supplies

2008-06-30T08:39:00.000-07:00

The famous Coach brand, has diverged into dog supplies. You'll find leather collars and leashes, dog coats, and dog carriers. These Coach dog supplies come in your favorite Coach Classic designs and are well-crafted and manufactured to hold up to Coach standards.

Coach Dog Supplies & Accessories

You can find decently priced Coach accessories on the link above, as you don't have to spend a fortune to style your dog to your preferences and tastes.

Dog Chew Deterrents

2008-06-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

For a dog or puppy who has a favorite object that he liks to chew on,you may want to consider a chew deterrent, especially if it's your new shoes furniture. BUt you need to remember that these taste deterrent sprays are not an end-all solution. You still need to spend the time to train your dog.

Dog Chew Deterrent Sprays

Make sure to supply plenty of toys that your dog can chew on, as boredom is a major component to destructive chewing.

Dog Birthday Parties

2008-06-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

When it's your dog's birthday, especially if it's his first birthday, you may want to throw him a birthday party. It's actually all the rage now days. You invite some of your closest friends and family with their pets, back a dog birthday cake, and have dog party favors. It's a cute idea for a nice weekend afternoon.

Make Dinner and Dessert for Your Dog's Birthday

You may even want to make a whole dinner. Who know. I mean the options are pretty much unlimited and up to you.

Choosing a Pit Bull Puppy

2008-06-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

When choosing a puppy, you want to take into various traits and characteristics so that you pick the right one for your family. But, there are other characteristics that you'll want to consider when picking a puppy from a breeder. Although, I have stated picking a Pit Bull puppy, you can really use the following tips and tricks to choosing any puppy of any breed.

Tip for Choosing a Pit Bull Puppy

When picking a puppy, you want to talk with the breeder, if you're buying from a breeder, otherwise talk with the shelter representative who has the most interaction with the puppies. I mean it doesn't make sense to talk to the clerk or the cat person when you're interested in a puppy.

But, anyway, you want to ask questions about the health of the pups, general temperament, and if you're not 100% comfortable, you'll want to ask for references.

Game Pit Bull

2008-06-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

What is a Game Pit Bull?

Gameness is typically the will and determination of a dog to complete a task under immense pain and stress. No other dog breed has been bred for this, except "pit bull" type dogs. Yes, there are other breeds that have shear determination and will, but not to complete a task under immense pain or stress.

One can argue this point to no end, but I'm sorry, a rottweiler is not game, neither is a Doberman, or a Chihuahua.

Puppy Vaccinations

2008-06-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

Pet vaccinations are very important to keeping a healthy pet, of course among other things, but definitely keep in mind that regular vaccinations can prevent a load of illnesses and diseases.

When thinking about gettting a new puppy, you want to consider whether you have the money to not only pay for food but vet care.

Schedule of Puppy Vaccinations and Common Diseases

There's a basic list of core vaccinations that your puppy needs, but you may also want to consider teh extra vaccinations that can prevent lyme disease, Para-Influenza, kennel cough, and Leptospirosis, as depending on where you live, your puppy may be succeptible to these illnesses.

How Do Puppies Learn?

2008-06-16T07:03:00.000-07:00

When training a new puppy, you should understand how puppies learn in order to have successful training sessions.

* You want to make each session as pleasant and positive as you can.
* Repeat exercises, as the more you repeat, the more reliant you pup will be at the command.

How Do Puppies Learn?

The characteristics of how puppies learn is also pretty accurate for training older dogs, as well. I mean a canine is a canine, the difference being that puppies are typically more hyper. It can also take puppiese a little longer to catch on to new commands, but of course the all depends on your training method and how often you train.

Adopting a Dog

2008-06-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

There are so many reasons why you should adopt a dog or puppy in to your life, but in the end, it's ultimately up to you to decide what's going to be right for your household.

Why Should You Adopt a Dog

Before you adopt a dog, you want to make sure that everyone in the house is prepared to take on the responsibility. You also want to make sure that you understand that you really can find a good dog at a shelter. Animals that you find at animal shelters are not all bad dogs; some are left behind when a family moves or when someone just can't take care of them anymore.

There are so many bad stories that you may hear about adopting a pet, but if you know what you're looking for and how to train the dog, you should be fine.

Don't be afraid of talking to the employees and volunteers at the animal shelter, as they can give you more insight to the dog's personality and characteristics.

Save a life and adopt a pet today

Dog Grooming Tips and Dog Grooming Supplies

2008-06-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

Grooming your dog is just as important as watching what he eats. You want to make sure that you have a steady and regular grooming routine so to prevent any ailments caused by poor grooming habits. IE daily teeth brushing to prevent dental disease and regular nail trims to prevent painful and uncomfortable gait.

Dog Brushes and Combs

Dog Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Brushing Your Dog's Teeth

Choosing a Dog Shampoo

Dog Nail Clippers and Trimming Your Dog's Nails

Electric Dog Razors

Potty Training a Puppy

2008-06-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

House training a puppy, can be a daunting task. It takes patience and determination... You want to be strong and consistent.

Ok,ok that's enough, but it can be a big task when successfully housetraining a puppy, or older dog. But, that doesn't mean it's impossible.

How to House Train Your Puppy

You want to make sure that you're consistent by setting up schedules. You want your puppy on a feeding schedule, play schedule, training, and pottying.

The next step to successful house training is to find the best method for your dog. Some dogs fair better with other methods than other dogs. I will mention that crate training is a very effective and sucessful means of potty training your dog.

Dog Breed Characteristics

2008-06-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

The AKC is probably the kennel club that sets the stage for dog groups and breed charactersitics. They are the dog registry that seems to have the most info and background about breeds that they register.

Well, when training your dog or leaning up on characteristics for a certain breed, you'll want to check out the characteristics for the breed group, not just the breed.

It will definitely help out when searching for the best method of training, and it will help out when trying to uncover why your dog does the things that he does.

If you're really interested in figuring out your dog and his behaviors, check out the following link. I really think that it will help.

Breed Characteristics for the AKC Dog Groups

Choosing a Dog Crate

2008-06-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

Crate training is the safest means of house training that you can implement with your new dog or puppy. You just want to make sure that you have the cage appropriately sized for your dog. A cage too small will be cramped and uncomfortable and a cage too large will defeat your ousetraining efforts.

You also want to make sure that you get a cage that is going to be appropriate for your dog. Some dogs do better in plastic travel crates, whereas other dogs may do better in wire crates.

For more information about choosing a dog kennel, check out
How to Choose a Dog Crate

Puppy Temperament Tests

2008-06-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

When you're at the breeder's house or at the shelter, you are looking for the perfect dog for you and your family. You want to ensure that you get the right dog for your personality and lifestyle.

By doing this you may want to implement some of the temperament tests that determine dominance, submissiveness, prey drive, and other aspects of a dog's temperament and personality.

Sometimes the shelter or breeder will be able to tell you the basics of a dog's personality before you actually take the dog home, but you want to understand how this works, and how to do it for yourself.

These tests prevent dogs from being returned to the shelter or breeder becuase he jsut didn't fit. It's just not fair... You want the transition for hte dog or puppy to be smooth and long-lasting. Not temporary.

So anyway, check out the following temperament tests.

Puppy Temperament Tests

Breeding Corn Snakes

2008-05-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

When breeding any snake, you need to make sure that the snake is healthy and has absolutely no health concerns, as brumation and breeding will make any health concerns worse. You want to make sure that the snake is of proper weight, as females will loose weight while breeding and egg laying.

Before you actually introduce the male and female snakes, make sure that you have all the proper materials for egg incubation and hatchling care. You don't want to get surprised with an early clutch and not have the incubator ready.

For more information, check out:
Breeding Corn Snakes

Help Caring for Pet Reptiles

2008-05-27T09:40:00.001-07:00

Reptiles make great pets, so if you've decided that you want a pet reptile or you want to get your child a pet reptile, then you wantto do all the research you can before you actually bring home the new pet.

You don't want to get stuck with Tokay Gecko if you want a pet you can handle, as the majority of Tokays are very aggressive. And, you don't want to bring home an Emeral Tree Boa, if you want a pet for your 5 year old, as they too can be aggressive.

By doing your research first, will prevent you from taking your child's pet back to the pet store. It will also prevent the pet from being neglected because it just wasn't the right pet, but you don't want to give it up.

For more information, I advise the following link,
Help Caring for Pet Reptiles

Dog Training Tips

2008-05-25T16:13:00.000-07:00

Dog training is the single most important aspect of raising a dog, well besides regular vaccinations. Basic obedience, alone, is a great way to keep your dog safe; by teaching simple commands like "leave it" and "wait," can really save your dogs life one day. "Leave it" can stop your dog from snatching up medication or another toxin that has either fallen on the floor or that has been left behing; "wait" can stop your dog from progressing further, such as running out into the road or out the door when you're not ready.

Positive training is the most effective form of dog training; but using the clicker and positive reinforcements will teach your dog what behaviors you want him to repeat with certain commands.

Once you tackle basic obedience, you can move onto fun tricks and agility, which will help stimulate your dog's mind and keep him exercised (if you opt for agility).

For more information, check out:
Dog Training Tips, Help, and Techniques

Flat Rock Scorpions

2008-05-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

Scorpions make intersting pets. They're a watch and not play with pet. Flat rock scorpions are fairly popular in the pet market, but they aren't the most popular. Either way, you need to make sure that you know how to care for the animal before you bring one home.

To see more, check out
Caring for Flat Rock Scorpions

Caring for Dogs and Puppies

2008-05-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

Puppies and dogs are a big responsibility. They require constant care, love, attention, and exercise. They require money to care for them in regards to dog food and vet visits. Dogs are not animals that you can just neglect and throw away.. Well, no animal is, really.

Dogs are supposed to be man's best friend, so make sure that you know how to take care of your best friend. The link below has tons of infor towards raising puppies, dog training, treats, and more.

For more info, check out:
Caring for Dogs and Puppies

All About the American Pit Bull Terrier

2008-05-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

The American Pit Bull Terrier is the most misunderstood dog breed of its time. I mean what dog can go from America's hero one day and terror the next? Well... Ok tons of other breeds have done it, but usually it's the other way around being a terror before a hero. The APBT did it backwards. Crazy huh? Well, I believe they'll make it full circle one day.

These dogs really are wonderful dogs when the owner takes the time to properly train and socialize them.

Below, you'll find a link about American Pit Bulls that will take you to the in's and out's of the breed. You'll learn about dog fighting and gameness, as well as, famous Pit Bulls and BSL. You'll learn the truths about sever dog attacks in regards to pit-type dogs and Pit Bull myths.

All About the American Pit Bull Terrier

Tough Dog Toys: Destruction of the Dog Toy

2008-05-17T18:40:00.000-07:00

I have one of those obnoxious dogs that chew up and destroy every dog toy that you give her. I hate that I can't buy the cute, girly dog toys for her to play with. I have to buy the boyish dog toys and hope that she won't tear them up within a few days.

I've tried dog tires, Yanker's dog toys made of thick canvase, and dog toys made of firehose material.

Of the three the dog toy made of the firehose material was destroyed within two days, the dog tire within four, and the Yanker's toys within a few weeks.

The Yanker's dog toys have lasted the longest, as she enjoyed tossing them around and playing with the squeeker within it. Although, she did chew several holes in the Yanker's toys, they lasted the longest.

I have yet to find a toy that has lasted more than a few weeks. In the link below, I have outlined the trials of the toys, although I have yet to add the firehose dog toy. I will continue to update the hub with more information, in hopes to help out dog owners with dogs who like to destroy dog toys.

To read more of my adventure of dog toys check out
Tough Dog Toys: Destruction of the Dog Toy

Dog GPS Tracking Devices

2008-05-16T12:01:00.001-07:00

GPS tracking devices are a great means of tracking, especially for hunting dogs in the field. Although, you shouldn't solely rely on a tracking device, they're a great means of finding your pup if he gets out of the yard.

The downfall is that some tracking devices for pets only reach a certain mileage. Also, they rely in batteries, so you need to keep them charged up, as the last thing you want to happen is to get a location on your dog and the batteries die; it would be very hard to find him if he's traveling on foot, versus at someone's house.

But, nonetheless, the GPS tracking devices can be a worth-while investment.

Dog GPS Tracking Devices

Caring for Small Animals

2008-05-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

Small animals are pretty popular pets for younger kids. Think about it small animals, or rather small mammal, pets include a wide variety of pets such as hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, chinchillas, degus, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and more. Ther are so many different small animal pets, that it's a wonder that they're not the most popular pet amongst young childrens.

The only concern that I have is for hte parents that show up at the pet store and purchase whatever pet the pet store employee says would be good and with whatever accessories and housing they recommend.

Not all pet store employees know what they're talking about, so I can stress enough, do your research first!

But anyway, if you want more information, check out
Caring for Small Animals: Hamsters, Mice, Rats, & Chinchillas
Best Pets for Small Children

Information About Dog Breeds

2008-05-13T07:03:00.000-07:00

When choosing a dog, whether a mix or a pure bred dog, it's best to do your research and fully understand the basic traits and characteristics of the breed so that you know what you're getting into.

Although, not all dogs within a breed have the same traits, by knowing what to expect, you can better your knowledge of the dog's behaviors and why he does the silly things that he does.

Dog Breeds

Caring for Leopard Geckos

2008-05-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

Although they are probably the easiest pet reptile to take care of, there are so many simple mistakes you can make. So before you invest in caring for a species that can live an average of 15 to 20 years, you want to make sure that you will be able to provide that to the gecko.

When bringing any new pet into your life, make sure to know and understand the proper husbandry, diet, and overall care for the species.

Leopard geckos come in a variety of colors and patterns, but all must be taken care of the same way. Just because you have a blazing blizzard and your friend has a tangerine, the same care goes into both morphs as they are the same species just a different color.

Anyway, for more information, check out the link below.

Help Caring for Leopard Geckos

Setting up a Leopard Gecko Enclosure

2008-04-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

Setting up a leopard gecko enclosure is pretty important for the accurate care of the species in captivity. You want to make sure that you provide the best environment possible to ensure that your new, or potential pet remains healthy and happy in your care.

How to Set Up a Leopard Gecko Enclosure

Breeding & Raising Insects for Reptiles

2008-04-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

When you care for multiple reptiles, breeding your own feeder insects can be helpful for your wallet. Depending on your staple insec, you may consider rasing your own feeders.

Good staple insects can include:
Crickets
Mealworms
Silkworms
Discoid Roaches

Treats for your reptile can include:
Butterworms
Waxworms
Phoenix worms

For more information and the nutritional content, check out the link below:

Breeding & Raising Insects for Reptiles

Myths about Pit Bulls

2008-04-12T13:29:00.001-07:00

The American Pit Bull Terrier is probably the most talked about dog breed. You here wide and varied stories about the dogs that only do what they've been trained to do. IE train the dog to fight, the dog will fight; train the dog to love, the dog will love. But, then again not all dogs breed and trained to fight will actually fight; those who won't fight are usually thrown on the side of the road after being brutally beaten and left near death.

The myths that surround the American Pit Bull Terrier, are those that really surround all bully breed dogs, but because the American Pit Bull Terrier includes "pit bull" in its name, they tend to get the most heat.

For more information about pit bull myths see below.

The Truth About American Pit Bull Terriers

Litter Box Problems With Cats

2008-04-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

Cats are usually pretty clean animals, but sometimes you can run into problems with the litter box. The most common problem, of course, is that the cat isn't using the box.

There can be a number of reasons as to why your cat isn't using the litter box, you need to define the cause in order to figure a solution.

For more information, check out this article: Litter Box Problems With Cats

Feeding Pet Cats

2008-04-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

Feeding pet cats can be as simple or complicated as you want. But, with a steady schedule, you can easily make feeding you cat a simple process.

First you want to know the differences between dry food, wet, and homemade, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and which would suit your cat the best.

Once you've determined what type of cat food you'll feed your cat, it's time to pick a brand that will provide your cat with the best, well-balanced diet.

For more details and information, check out the following link.

Feeding Pet Cats: Cat Food, Diet, and Scheduling

Severe Dog Attacks

2008-04-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

There are dozens of dog bites a year, and a trickle or to of fatal attacks. But, the media leads you to believe that there are more fatal attacks than there truly are. Plus, they lead you to believe that pit bulls are the only dog breed that attack. I haven't heard of a Great Dane or German Shepherd fatal attack in the media in a while, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't happen.

Plus, even looking at the statistics, you can't assume that just because it says "Pit Bull", "Pit Bull Mix", or whatever that it truly was that dog because the characteristics that lead people to believe a dog is a pit bull type dog are similar characteristics of other big dog breeds. So, it's just not fair.

Yes, these dogs attack. I'm not denying that fact, but they just don't attack as frequently or as often as the media lets you to believe.

For more information, check out the first hub that I've published from my list of hubs for April:

Severe Dog Attacks and Pit Bull- Type Dogs

(Picture at the top is of a Dogo Argentina.)

Articles for HubPages

2008-03-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

I have been working on several articles for HubPage.

They include:

Dogs
The Truth About American Pit Bull Terriers
Severe Dog Attacks and Pit Bull- Type Dogs
Tough Dog Toys: The Destruction of the Dog Toy
Caring for Dogs and Puppies
Information About Dog Breeds
Dog Training Tips, Help, and Techniques
All About the American Pit Bull Terrier
Dog GPS Tracking Devices
How to Choose a Dog Crate
New Dog: To Adopt or To Purchase

Reptiles
Help Caring for Pet Reptiles
Help Caring for Leopard Geckos
How to Set Up a Leopard Gecko Enclosure
Breeding & Raising Insects for Reptiles

Other Animals
Caring for Small Animals: Hamsters, Mice, Rats, & Chinchillas

As the articles are completed and published, I will post summaries and links, so look out.

Gadget Guide for Your Reptile's Enclosure

2008-03-24T13:50:00.001-07:00

When setting up a reptile's enclosure, you want to make sure to have all the right equipment. You want to make sure to provide the apporpriate heat temperatures, humidity, and lighting.

You want to make sure that your temps aren't too low or too high, or that your humidity levels aren't low or high.

In order to provide for the perfect captive enclosure, there are a few gadgets you may want to invest in.

I want to suggest:

Digital thermometer with a probe

Temperature gun

Under tank heater

Reptile light clamp

For more detail see :Gadget Guide for Your Reptile's Enclosure

Setting up a Natural Enclosure for a Leopard Gecko

2008-03-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

It's often assumed that because leopard geckos are desert reptiles, they live naturally on sand, but the truth is that only 20% of the world's deserts are composed of loose sand. So, if you want to create a true natural habitat for a leopard gecko, you'll want to purchase rock tiles. The following link will give you plant advice and general advice for setting up a natural enclosure for a leopard gecko.

Native Habitat of the Leopard Gecko & Setting up a Natural Enclosure

Remember that this is not something for a beginner to take part in. And, no, 2 years isn't enough to create a true natural habitat. But, read the above article and see what you think. Maybe it will help evoke ideas to create your own version.

Gadgets for Pets

2008-03-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

Gadgets and techy things are pretty popular among humans, but what about gadgets for your pets?

I'll start general a gadget for cats and dogs:
Gadgets for Pets: Electronic Pet Feeders

A neat gadget for cats:
Gadgets for Cats: The Cat Spa

And, the hub that won me best of the day :-D, gadgets for dogs:
High- Tech Gadgets for Dogs

Check them out and tell me what you think.

Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

2008-03-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

We love our dogs. I mean otherwise, we wouldn't have them. So why not spend a little time, heart, and soul, making homemade dog treats for your pup? These recipes are quick and easy, and your dog will thank you for them.

Homemade Dog Treats: High Energy Biscuits- great for high energy dogs, as they boost energy

Homemade Dog Treats: Special Needs- great for bad breath, dry skin, and flea warder

Homemade Dog Treats: Cookies for Allergies- great for dogs with corn and wheat allergies

So, when it's a rainy day or you just don't feel like doing anything, cook up a batch of homemade, healthy dog treats.

Best Pets for Small Children

2008-02-28T16:35:00.000-08:00

So here is one of my submissions for the 'pets' topic a few days back. This hub won me best hub of the day. :-D

Best Pets for Small Children

If you have any suggestions of other good pets for children, leave me a comment and let me know your suggestions.

How Do I Convince My Parents I'm Ready for a Puppy?

2008-02-25T18:01:00.000-08:00

If you want a dog, and are having problems with your parents, what can you do?

I have a few suggestions for you...

How Do I Convince My Parents I'm Ready for a Puppy?

Prove to your parents that you're responsible enough to take care of a puppy. They're a long commitment, not something that you can throw in the yard when you've had your fill.

Dogs will by far teach you great responsbility, but you must have at least a grain or two to start.

How Much is That Puppy in The Window?

2008-02-21T22:09:00.001-08:00

Today's topic is "money."

How Much is That Puppy in The Window?

Once the contest is over, I promise to have a little description with my blogs. I'm just a little busy lately.

Dog's are more than a cute squeeky toy here and dog food there. You have to remember shots, emergencies, and other costs that all come with raising a dog in your family.

Dog Ear Cropping and Tail Docking

2008-02-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

I know you've seen dogs out there with cropped ears and docked tails. It's sad, but it happens. Heck, you may be one of those people...

Well, either way, I suggest the reading of one of my "style" HubLove contest entries:
Stylizing Your Dog: The Nip/ Tuck of the Canine Variety

Again, I've been busy with the contest, writting nearly 10 hubs a day. I hve 3 other animal "style" hubs that I'll be posting over the next few days. And, on Saturday, I'll post my choice for top hub of the day in the contest. I can't wait to find out what the topic is. It's not too late to participate. Just create an account with HubPages.

What Dog Breeds Make The Best Pets?

2008-02-15T10:43:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I've been away for a few days. I'm trying to keep up the blog thing, really, I am. I've been a little preoccupied with HubPages. They have introduced a new contest which started yesterday and will end on March 15th. If you want to participate the winner received $5,000 worth of electronics. Just click the link about and it'll take you to the home page to which you can sign up and join the fun.

But, with other news. I've created another hub about what dog breeds make the best pets. Honestly, they all do, but that doesn't mean that all dogs are for everyone. So, you may want to check it out HERE

Things to Think About Before Breeding Reptiles

2008-02-11T08:21:00.000-08:00

So, you think you want to breed your leopard gecko, ball python, or bearded dragon? Maybe you want to breed your red-eared slider or pacman frog... Either way, are you ready and prepared for the journey you interested in taking?

There's really a lot that you may not have thought about. Housing. Feeding. Money.

Can you afford this adventure- money-wise, time-wise, and space-wise?

My first response to anyone who questions me about breeding is, "do more research."

So, anyway...

Common Chinchilla Ailments

2008-02-08T10:58:00.000-08:00

Chinchillas, are great at hiding their declining health and any health concerns they may be having. I mean, in the wild it was necessary to be fit and healthy or else be something's dinner. This doesn't change in captivity.

Watch your chinchilla(s) closely for signs of illness, and take him to the vet at the slightly sign of something is wrong.

Learn about common health concerns for chinchillas, so that you know what to look for and how to prevent mishap.

For more information
CLICK HERE

Chinchilla Health & First Aid

2008-02-06T20:35:00.000-08:00

If you have or are interested in getting a chinchilla, you want to make ure that you are fluent in all aspects of chinchilla care, ranging from housing, diet, to health care. You will want to make sure that you know how to provide temporary health care when a chinchilla is injured or ill.

So for more information about chinchilla health care and chinchilla first aid, CLICK HERE

How to Train Your Pet Rat

2008-02-04T12:23:00.000-08:00

I've always been interested in animal training for just about any animal. I mean how cool is it that you can train wild dolphins to jump through hoops? I think it's pretty neat.

You can train dogs and cats. You can train ferrets to di simple tricks. You can even train rabbits, a little bit.

But how cool is it to train a rat?

I love my rats, and when I brought them home, had intentions of training them. But, well, I got slack, and decided to just let them be rats. Now, I wish I had kept up with their training.

I once attempted to train my chinchillas agility, but that didn't go so well, so I thought rats would be perfect. But, somehow I've misplaced all my agility equipment. I need to dig deep in the house for it. But, anyway, it's cool to train your pet rat.

Training pet rats gives them something to exercise their brain with. It brings you closer to them becuase you're spending more time with them, and they definately won't fight you on that.

So how are you supposed to get started?

By reading:
How to Train Pet Rats

It's free, so don't worry. It's just a short article with tips and tricks to training pet rats.

Molosser Dog Breeds

2008-01-30T17:55:00.000-08:00

The Molosser Breed is an old dog breed with possible origins in Europe and Germany. These dogs are generally large muscular dogs. Although, many of these breeds are considered bully breed dogs, not all of them are included in those numbers.

You can include the American Pit Bull Terrier, AmStaff, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Boxer, Rottweiler, Mastiff, Bulldog, and other various mastiff bred dogs.

Being larger dogs, they tend to suffer hip dysplasia and bloat, but as for other common illnesses to Molossers, it would depend on the specific breed in question.

Rodent Immune to Pain

2008-01-29T06:21:00.000-08:00

Scientists have found a strange creature that is invulnerable to the pain of acid or of hot pepper. It's a naked mole rat. Living underground in small burrows, they are nearly blind. But, they're sense of touch is quite receptive, which makes the testing quite odd that they not feel the slight dose of acid that their paws were dipped in.

For more information click HERE

Homemade Dog Treats

2008-01-27T17:14:00.000-08:00

If you missed the Reduced Calorie dog treats, you won't want to miss these. You dog is bound to love the natural sweetness of the fruits, and you'll be pleased to give your dog a healthy treat... That YOU made.

Fruit and Vegetable dog treats are healthy, providing essential vitamins and minerals. And, trust, me, you dog will love them!

Tips for Getting a Puppy

2008-01-22T08:52:00.000-08:00

Before bringing home a new puppy, whether you already have a dog or not, you need to consider everything.

Training.

Housebreaking.

Vet Bills.

Feeding.

Exercise.

Etc.

Who will take on these tasks?

You need to make sure that you are prepared to bring home a new puppy, or dog.

Read Owning A Dog: Tips, Tricks, and Help

Remember that training starts as soon as you bring a new puppy home. So make sure that you are prepared in how to properly train a dog.

Reinforcement Training
Clicker Training
Dog Training Tools

Make sure that you are, also, aware of basic obedience commands:
Basic Obedience Training Part 1
Basic Obedience Training Part 2

Owning a Siberian Husky

2008-01-19T10:28:00.000-08:00

Siberian huskies are actually fairly popular in the world of dog breeds. Although, they may not be the most popular, or even on the top ten list, but they are still a highly sought after breed.

The one mistake in husky owners is shaving their pup. Siberian husky's have a double coat, and the upper coat, composed of gaurd hairs, help keep the dog cool in warmer months and warm in the cooler months. So, when you shave this upper coat, you remove the dog's protection to weather. Siberian huskies require little grooming besides teething brushing, nail clipping, and the occassional baths. These dogs tend to keep themselves clean of dirt.

Another common mistake is when these type of dogs are thrown in a backyard with little to no exercise. With their history, Siberian huskies are travelers, and need a good deal of exercise, daily! Otherwise, they will become destructive, mischievious, and may escape their confines in order to roam.

Huskies need to be kept confined on a leash, in your home, or behind a locked gate, as they are historic travelers and tend to fall in this path, with the roaming instinct. But, with proper DAILY exercise and spaying or neutering, you should eliminate this concern.

Read more:

Owning a Siberian Husky

*The photo is of Jeffry Beall's Siberian Husky, Scarlet, and can be seen in it's original form here.

Pet First Aid Kit

2008-01-18T07:44:00.000-08:00

Every thought about it? I mean, most parents have first aid kits kept around the house in case of emergencies with the children, but have you ever thought about a pet first aid kit???

Well, think about it... I mean there are so many different things that your pets can get into. Snake bites, spiders, glass, poisons, etc. You want you beloved family members safe from harm, so why wouldn't you want you beloved pets? They're family, too, right?

Well, you can read more about Pet First Aid: HERE

As the article stats, you don't have to go out and purchase a special Pet First Aid Kit, you can make your own- one that is special for your pet. The article gives you an entire listing of items that you may want to include, as well as safe medicines you can give your dogs (and what the medicine is for).

NOTE: Never give your dog human medicines without contacting your vet or an after- hours vet. You don't want to overdose your pet. Plus consider that not all breeds can handle the same medicines, as Collie's have more sensitive stomachs than other breeds.

Blue Eye Koala

2008-01-16T12:38:00.000-08:00

A baby koala has surprised its keepers in Australia by peeping out from its mother's pouch with piercing blue eyes.

They think that nine-month-old Frankie could be one of a kind, since koalas almost always have brown eyes.

Keepers at the Dreamworld theme park on the Gold Coast immediately named it after Frank Sinatra - known, of course, as Ol' Blue Eyes.

The Australian Koala Foundation said Frankie was the first blue-eyed koala it has been aware of in its 20-year history.

Michelle Barnes, a supervisor at the Dreamworld park, said: "They spend their first few months in the pouch so it wasn't until he was five or six months old that we first noticed he had blue eyes."

Homemade Rat Foods

2008-01-10T15:50:00.000-08:00

Making homemade foods for you pets is all the rage in today's society. With the fears of infected foods, all natural is the new trend. In most cases, this new idea has been geared towards dogs and cats.

But, why not make your own rat foods and treats?

By making your own pet foods, you know what goes into the diet. You know the health benefits of each item. You know the pros of what you're adding to the food.

Below, I have added a few links that will share more nutritional information geared towards pet fancy rats. You will find recipes for foods, treats, and other snacks that you can feed your rat, and not feel guilty. But, with any treat, make sure that it does not encompass more than 10% of your rats diet.

Homemade Rat Diets

Homemade Rat Recipes

Homemade Rat Treats

How to Choose a Dog Breed?

2007-12-30T14:38:00.000-08:00

There are so many different dog breeds, how are you supposed to choose what is best for you and your family.

You need to decide what you are looking for:

Grooming and maintence level

Size

Temperament

Trainability

Some dogs require more maintenance than others. For example, the golden retriever will need more grooming concerns than a dalmatian. Due to the longer hair, golden retrievers will need daily brushings, and longer baths, whereas the short coated dalmatian, will require less.

When regards to size, you need to consider whether you want a small, medium, or large breed dog. You may be thinking that a small breed will be best in your home when compared to a larger dog, but most small breed dogs are iffy when it comes to children and families. Most small breed dogs are more hyperactive and nippy, whereas many large breed dogs are more docile and calm. You may think that a cute little chihuahua may work well with your five year old, but in reality, a great dane, is more of a family pet. Both breeds are best kept indoors, so it's really up to you as to the size of the dog.

The temperament of a dog may be the key factor when determining which dog breed is best for you. But, don't believe all that you hear from friends and family about every breed. You may hear that the baby-killer American Pit Bull Terrier would attack and harm your child, but in reality they make the best pets for children, as long as you, the adult, properly trains and socializes the dog when it is a puppy. So, when it comes to temperament, consider all your options; even consider adopting a mix breed from the shelter, as in many cases they will have the best temperament.

Trainability is usually very important to most people when choosing a dog. Is the dog easily trained, or will I have to fight with it? Well, a lot of a dog's trainability starts with its breed. Now, breed does not always a factor, but many breeds are known to be more easily trained than others. The yorkshire terrier, surprisingly is a dog that is very trainable; although, as a terrier, they do get bored quickly with repitition. Other breeds, such as the Giant Schnauzer is receptive towards training, but training MUST be kept up, as the breed is very high strung.

When choosing a dog breed, you must consider all your options. You must even consider whether you can afford a dog, of any breed, at all. You have to pay for dog food and vet care. You may even want to purchase a leash, collar, food/water bowls. And, to spoil the dog, treats, toys, and a bed. So consider your financial options as well.

Before bringing home a dog, you must decide who will be taking care of the dog, as by bringing home that cute puppy, you cannot rely on your five year old to feed and walk it.

Schnauzers

2007-12-23T14:48:00.000-08:00

Learn about the schnauzer before you decide to bring one home. You may think the Miniature Schnauzer is the best for your family, but with research you may find out that the Standard Schnauzers is better or may the Giant Schnauzer.

Dog Breeds

2007-12-11T13:45:00.000-08:00

There are so many different dog breeds that no matter what you're looking for you're bound to find it. I mean, if you're looking for small breeds, there's tons of them, medium, large, giant, mixes.

Dogs have been a part of human life for thousands of years. They were initially domesticated to aid in hunting, gaurding, and protection. Dogs are wonderful at the jobs they are given, which has increased their popularity amongst the peoples.

Plus, they're cute and pleasers... Most of the time.

You always want to consider the breed's background, temperament, appearance (for grooming purposes), and their overall disposition as pets. Not every dog is right for every person.

For instance, I love Yorkshire Terriers. I love their quirky, exciting attitudes. But, on the downside, the breed can be nippy, yappy, jealous, possessive, and slightly dominant despite their size. Yorkies just aren't the pet for everyone, and their' not necessarily the best family pet around small children.

Chihuahuas, too, share this "Little Man Syndrome." Although, yes cute, they are, honestly, worse family pets than most other small dog breeds. They are the nippiest, and most likely to bite.

Daschunds on the other hand, are great pets. They may have their share of health concerns, but they are friendly cute, and loving.

But, you must remember that no matter what breed of dog that you bring home, you MUST keep up training and socialization.

If you want a more laid back dog breed, then English Bulldogs may be the dog for you. Although, as puppies they can be rather destructive, once they have matured they are calm and very docile.

You may even be interested in a mix breed dog. This may be one of the better ways to go about bringing a dog home. You can rescue a dog from the shelter, save two lifes (the pup you bring home and the one that can take it's place in the kennel), and you get a friend for life. Today, there is a growing number of designer dogs, but in reality, they are nothing more than high priced mix breed dogs. The Goldendoodle is one of the more popular of these dogs. They are the creation of breeding a purbred poodle with a purebred golden retriever.

In any case, a dog is a true responsibility, and must be agreed upon with everyone in the house before bringing one into the family.

Hamsters

2007-12-06T17:58:00.000-08:00

Hamsters are fairly simple to care for. They are one of the most common small animal pets for children, but are they truly one of the better pets for children? Well, that's for you to decide. I'm here to give you information about them in hopes to help in any way that I can.

Hamsters are fairly simple to care for, as I've already mentioned. Because they are one of the smaller furry pets, they require smaller cages. A 10 gallon cage will suffice for one Syrian hamster or 2 dwarf hamsters.

The one good thing about hamsters is that for the most part, they are pretty robust and healthy critters. They can succumb to illness, but the most common will include wet tail, abscesses, diarrhea, and respiratory illnesses.

Reptile Videos

2007-11-30T14:09:00.000-08:00

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

We all love our pets. Take pictures of our cats and dogs. We want to remember the silly antics that they do. Reptiles are pets to... Remember... Well, don't forget. ;-)

Video tape your reptiles and submit your videos to You Tube.

Bearded Dragon Care

2007-11-28T13:07:00.000-08:00

Bearded dragons are one of the better beginner reptiles, but you must make sure that are able to provide the proper diet and husbandry for the animal. Although, they are one of the better beginner reptiles, their husbandry requirements are a little more complicated than the simple leopard gecko or crested gecko.

But, the temperament of the bearded dragon, is what truly makes them near the top of the best beginner reptiles list. So, you want to make sure that you are able to provide the proper care and diet for bearded dragons.

Although bearded dragons are relatively healthy and robust, you want to make sure that you supplement them properly. Otherwise, you risk the chance of metabolic bone disease, which can be fatal.

Another bearded dragon health concern is impaction, which is completely preventable, but can be fatal. You want to make sure to house bearded dragons on solid substrates such as tile, paper towels, and such. Avoid play sand, calcium based sand, corn cob, wood shavings, and any loose substrates that can be accidently injested.

Pet Snakes

2007-11-24T18:50:00.000-08:00

Pet Snakes can make great pets if you know and understand how to properly care for them. I have found that ball pythons are one of the better beginner snakes that one can have. They are very docile and even temperamented. Ball pythons are a medium sized snake, so the excess size isn't as much of a concern.

With any snake, you want to try to feed it frozen rodents, as thawed feeders cannot hurt a snake. Live rodents can seriously injure any snake, causing broken bones or even worse death, especially if you leave them alone unsupervised for a long period of time.

One of the main concerns with snakes, is mites. You will want to watch out for this parasite, as they are similar to ticks, in that they are blood sucking creatures. These small creatures, reproduce rapidly, and can spread. They are very had to get rid of, but it's not impossible.

More Feeder Insects

2007-11-17T17:49:00.000-08:00

Silkworms make great staple diets, but they can be a little pricey at times, so you may want to consider breeding them for your reptiles.

Superworms are a great staple for larger reptiles. Because of their hard exoskeleton they are hard to digest.

Phoenix Worms are very high in calcium. Some reptiles love them, but some don't. So, you may want to grab a cup and try them out.

Butter Worms are very high in calcium, but they are also high in calories. These brightly colored worms are great healthy treats for your reptiles.

Waxworms are nothing more than fatty junk food for reptiles. They make wonderful treats, but definately nothing more!

Feeder Insects

2007-11-08T13:53:00.000-08:00

My favorite staple feeder insects include crickets, mealworms, and discoid roaches.

Some feeder insects are better than others, but for the most part the crickets, mealworms, and discoid roaches, make great staples. You can, also, try silkworms, if you want.

I would stay away from feeding butterworms and waxworms as a staple, as they are high in fat content.

Metabolic Bone Disease

2007-11-04T16:58:00.000-08:00

MBD is also known as Metabolic Bone Disease. It is one of the more common reptile health concerns. You should make sure that you fully understand the signs and symptoms so that you can keep a look out for your pet reptile's health. now the treatment and preventative measures so that you never have to combat the illness.

I will say that for personal reasons, I have done everything that I could for one of my bearded dragons, yet she still contracted MBD. I believe that she has it because of poor breeding and poor initial husbandry from the petstore that she was purchased from. So, you want to watch out for these factors as well. Finding breeders in your area or even reputable petstores will lower your risks of picking a pet with MBD, or one that may possibly contract it.

Check out the link above, but if you need more information check out:
Metabolic Bone Disease
Calcium Metabolism and Metabolic Bone Disease

Goldendoodles

2007-10-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

Goldendoodles are one of the "designer breeds" that claim to be hypoallergenic. But the truth is that most people are allergic to the dander of animals, not the hair or fur. And ALL dogs will have dander even the poodle, labradoodle, goldendoodle, and various other poodle mixes. And, yes they are mixes as very few breeders have a confirmed characteristic of the "breed," and until that day, to most people they will still be considered a mix breed dog.

Miniature Pets

2007-10-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

Miniature Pets can range from the cute little one pound chihuhuas or the three feet tall cattle. Miniature pets are great for those people who want the characteristics of the normal sized animal, but just don't quite have the room. Example being that a person with two acres of land may not be able to have a herd of goats, but they could have a herd of miniature goats or cattle or horses.

An apartment dwelling family may not be able to have a standarad poodle in their apartment, but a miniature poodle, toy poodle, or teacup poodle, would all fit in just fine.

Souther California Wildlife Suffer During the Fires

2007-10-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

California Wildlife is Threatened in Fires that is destroying the southern portion of the state. Thousands have been evacuated, but you evacuate all the animals in the woods and forests of the areas. They must fend for themselves. You can donate money to the rehabilitation of the animals at Animal Advocates Organization if you want to help. They will rehabilitate the animals and release them back into the wild.

Crested Gecko Care Sheet

2007-10-17T12:54:00.001-07:00

Crested geckos are a great beginner reptile. They have simple husbandry requirements that are fairly easy to meet. Crested geckos are a relatively small gecko that do not need excessive space.

And, they come in a variety of morphs (colors), ranging from brightly colored harlequins and fires to dalmations opf varying degrees. They can be pinstripe, tiger, patternless, red, tan, yellow, etc.

Crested geckos are becoming more and more popular in today's reptile market due to their ease in to keep in captivity.

A few crested gecko breeders include:

Spade Reptiles

These are just a few of the reputable breeders I have had the pleasure of working with.

Housing Rats

2007-10-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

SO, you've decided to let a rat into your heart and home. Now, to choose the proper cage before you actually bring the little critter home. It's best to go ahead and have the cage at home so you don't have to let the rat sit in his take home box for too long.

Choosing a rat cage is actually fairly simple. There are three basic designs- aquarium, plastic, or wire. Make sure that you have a solid floor on the cage to prevent bumble foot.

Fill the cage with toys and proper bedding. To make your rat healthy and happy.

Fancy Rats

2007-10-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

Pet Rats consider all the options, even consider whether you would prefer a pet mouse. Consider the time, money, and space that you have. Research fancy rats, their housing, treats, games and toys, and even find a list of the signs and symptoms of illnesses for rats. You want to make sure that you consider every possibility before bringing a new pet home.

From personal experience, I love my pet rats, and wouldn't have it any other way. They live in a 4 foot tall wire cage with a solid bottom. They receive fresh and dried fruits as treats, as well as a few seeds, nuts, and yogurt treats.

The only difference with pet rats and most small animal pets, is that because they are so intelligent, you will have to make sure that they are not left without toys, as they will get bored easily. Entertain their brains!!

Dog Tricks

2007-10-10T16:23:00.001-07:00

Dog tricks are fun for you and your dog. There are so many tricks that you can teach your dog. Show them off for friends, too. Try teaching your dog wave and spin. Why stop there? Why not try teaching your dog to put up his toys and to say he's sorry?

Correcting Problem Behaviors

2007-10-08T14:09:00.000-07:00

Dog problem behaviors can be rough to live with. Whether they be digging, chewing, barking, jumping, or any other nuissance behavior. You can untrain your dog of these problem behaviors as easy as you trained him. Yes, more than likely you unwillingly trained your dog to jump.

When you dog was a puppy, and he jumped on you, what did you do? More than likely, you pet him. Right? The you just rewarded the behavior. From that point on the dog associated jumping on you, or any other person as getting pet, so anytime he wanted your attention or to be petted, he would jump on you. But, now that the cute 10 pound puppy is no longer 10 pounds, but 60, what do you do?

Find ways to solve the problem behaviors. That's what you do. Once you have found the cause to the problem behavior, you can begin to fix it.

But, not all problem behaviors are as simple, as you'd think. Some behaviors are caused be some fear or emotion within the dog. Yes, dog's can be scared, too. Some dogs are scared of thunder and storms, whether it be because of the loud noise, the rain, or the change in barometic pressure. But, either way, you can fix... Well, unless it's the change in barometric pressure, otherwise, I have a few tips. Try drowning out the should with loud music or television. Occupy the dog during the storm. On a sunny day, play a recording of a thunder storm, slowly raising the volume, until the dog doesn't care.

In any sense, you CAN fix the problem behaviors that are ruining your lifestyle. In many cases may even be embarrassed of your dog's behaviors. Well, fix them. Don't hide or crate the dog, that's a quick fix, truly dig deep and fix the problems. It'll be worth it in the end.

Dog Agility Training

2007-10-07T13:58:00.000-07:00

If you've decided to train your dog agility. Awesome choice. It's a great way to run the energy out of you dog and loose a few calories while you're at it. You want to learn the basics of the sport, as yes, it is a sport. Learn the history behind today's competitive dog sport. Learn what each obstacle is and looks like.

Then, find out how to best train each obstacle from the jump to the tunnel to the seesaw. The best and quickest way is to target train mixed with a little clicker training. Have the dog target a plate of some kind of object in order to clear the bar jump obstacle or to properly run over the dog walk.

Next, learn the course. Learn the faults. Know how to run it. Get used the the ever changing agility course. You won't have a problem as long as you dog knows how to perform each obstacle. At that point, you'll be able to run the course with ease and efficiency.

Leopard Gecko

2007-10-05T14:57:00.000-07:00

Leopard geckos are one of the better beginner reptiles that one can have. They have relatively easy husbandry requirements, making Caring For Leopard Geckos pretty simple. Being a smaller reptile in the pet trade, leopard geckos only need at minimum a 10 gallon aquarium, again making housing them come with ease.

Leopard geckos are insectivores, eating crickets, mealworms, superworms, butterworms, roaches, waxworms, silkworms, and phenix worms. But, sometimes when they're sick or stressed, the will not eat. If the temperatures in their enclosure are not correct, they may stop eating, as well. When your leopard gecko stops eating, you can tray various things. Do NOT try force feeding, unless it is you absolute last possible option! When you notice weight loss from you leopard gecko's tail and body weight, you may want to take the gecko to the vet. You can try a different feeder insect, and lastly, you could try the leopard gecko slushy.

After researching,caring for leopard geckos for years, preparing incubators and lay boxes, and even made plans as to where the hatchlings will go, then you're ready for Breeding Leopard Geckos.

Revolution for Dogs

2007-10-04T19:14:00.001-07:00

Revolution is one of the better flea and tick preventatives on the market today. It can be purchased at your veterinarian's office, sometimes Petco, but always online. Various online petstores and discounts will sell Revolution.

Revolution comes in various sizes to include:

for puppies under 5 lbs PINK

5-10 lb dogs PURPLE

10-20 lb dogs BROWN

20-40 lb dogs RED

40-85 lb dogs TEAL

85-130 lb dogs PLUM

Revolution is a great preventative to keep fleas and ticks off your pets as they carry diseases and viruses that can harm your dog.

Dog Fighting

2007-10-04T11:06:00.001-07:00

Dog Fighting is very much a part of the bully breed family's history and ancestry. But, do you truly understand what it involved. Today, dog fighters throw their dogs in a pit and let the have at it. But traditionally, there were rules and regulations. Strict ones at that. Now, don't get me wrong, I am a APBT advocate, and 100% disagree with dog fighting. But, learning the truths and history of dog fighting has opened my eyes more to the history of the breed. It has made me better understand their background.

Plus, without the background that they did have, they wouldn't be the breed they are today... Loving, loyal, protective, robust, healthy, and so much more!

Pet Snakes

2007-10-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

I'm a lover of snakes. Of all sizes, shapes, and colors. Now, don't get me wrong, I do have my preferences. I'm a huge fan of ball pythons of any morph, but again I like piebalds, mohaves, pastels, and of course the plain and simple standard ball python. I like red tail boas, California kingsnakes, and even the temperaments Emerald tree boa.

I find that as pets, snakes are very easy to care for. They only get fed a minimum of once a week. You can even go a month without feeding a snake, of course all depending on the size and species of the snake. You wouldn't wait a month in between feedings to feed a hatchling burmese python.

Fake Rock Instructional

2007-10-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

Making Fake Rock is rather easy as long as you have the time and patients. It's a messy crafy, but seeing it in you reptile's enclosure makes it worth.

You can make the designs as elaborate or simple as you choose. You can make perches, ledges, hides, humid hides, rocks, backgrounds, and more!

I've made full backgrounds, regulare hides, humid hides, rocks, perches, and bridges for my leopard geckos, African fat tail geckos, and bearded dragons. I've made full backgrounds and partial backgrounds, as well.

It's all up to your creativity and imagination. But, don't worry if you think you're not the most creative or imaginative. It's a simple project. And you know the husbandry for you reptile, so have fun with it.

Cats and People- Think Like a Cat

2007-09-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

Does your cat always seem to end up in the lap of the one visitor to your home who's allergic? Or maybe it's the one visitor who doesn't like cats? Why is it that, very often, your cat-loving visitors get passed over for the one person who doesn't want to interact with Fluffy?...

Read more:

Having Company? Guess Which Guest Kitty Will Like Best ...

APBT deemed a Demon

2007-09-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

I risk my life every night when I let a A Demon Sleep In My Bed. I'm brave I know, but the good morning kisses and good night kisses are worth it.

Dog Behavior Problems

2007-09-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

Dogs aren't perfect. Not anywhere near it. Ha. Many dogs have common behavior problems like barking, digging, chewing, jumping, and mouthiness. To Stop Chewing and Digging you can try a variey of things, but you really need to understand why your dog is doing what he's doing. In many cases, boredom is the key. But, sometimes the dog maybe teething, mimicking you, or other reasons.

If you want to figure out Why Your Dog Digs, you should look at where he's digging to start. Is it everywhere? In one place? If in one place, where's that place?

Dog Breeds

2007-09-23T11:10:00.000-07:00